RSOs take offices in Student Center

The University Student Council decided Monday which student groups will occupy six new offices located in the Student Center.

The spaces, available in the fall, were allocated to Alpha Kappa Alpha, Gamma Sigma Sigma, the International Club, College Republicans, the Student Ambassadors and the Dean Advisory Board.

The USC, comprised of representatives from 10 Recognized Student Organizations, read applications and considered how each group would benefit students by having designated office space. The council was given authority to allocate the new offices upon the Student Center’s completion in 2003.

“This was the first time we actually had proposals on the table,” said USC Chair John Wright. “All the applications were out there, and we had two meetings. One was informational where we got packets from everyone for review. At [the second] meeting, we discussed and decided a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote for each group that turned in an application.”

RSOs had to prove why they deserved an office before spaces were allocated, council member Sarah Trelevan said.

“We considered what they would use [an office] for,” Trelevan said. “We looked at who it would benefit and how many people would benefit from it.”

Josiah Kariuki, USC member from the International Club, said the number of members within each RSO had to be taken into account.

“I was looking for organizations with large memberships on campus,” Kariuki said. “These organizations benefit the campus as a whole, not just one particular interest group.”

Trelevan said RSOs will benefit most of all by having their own central location.

“With larger organizations, it’s vital that there is some location where members can go for questions or to store files and information,” said Trelevan. “The offices also provide personal space for RSOs where they can focus on their necessary work to make their organization better.”

Wright said the allocation process will be repeated each spring, giving all RSOs a chance to submit proposals.

“Basically, we want to make this a yearly thing,” Wright said. “Every group across campus can come and submit a proposal, and it can be simple or detailed. This committee will meet again to figure out which groups will provide the best services to students by using an office and being visible.”

Council members said they hoped there would have been a larger number of applicants, despite an extended deadline for applications.

“I’m pleased with the outcome, but I wish more RSOs had shown interest,” said Trelevan. “Hopefully by next year, everyone will want one.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Apr 22 2005. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry